Kipper’s got a limp
- Thread starter HAH
- Start date
- Location
- Malvern Worcestershire
Having a dog who was lame on his front legs, I would without a doubt have him x-rayed just to see what is going on. Rourke has arthritis in both shoulders and tendonitis. I saw a specialist vet, who had a look inside, I was hoping he would cut the tendon but he didn't. Rourke cannot take any medication for arthritis as it causes his stomach to bleed and vomit blood. I manage it with Prednisolone 5mg every other day and some CBD drops and Yumove Advance (available only from a veterinary surgeon). Rourke doesn't limp now but has a problem with his back leg! I am only saying all this as I feel it does need investigating by x-ray and then you are in a position to know how to proceed. Weight reduction is the first thing 
PEE ESS, have just read @Natalie's post and I agree with it totally.
PEE ESS, have just read @Natalie's post and I agree with it totally.
- Location
- Herefordshire, UK
Your co operative care work paying off here Harriet, well done.
I'm sorry dear handsome ever smiling Kipper is facing this. Like you, my initial response would be to go with the conservative treatment. It's surprising that he carries extra kilos, it always looks like he gets plenty of exercise in those Devon fields !
Beanwood
Administrator
It is almost exactly a year to the day that we took Otter to a top orthodog consultant. Based on the experience we have had with both Otter and Benson by "jobbing vets" .... now I am not inferring there is anything wrong with that, but personally I would go straight for the referral to the best orthdog you can find, have all the joints Xrayed or scanned, with a thorough plan devised based on really understanding exactly what his joints look like.
A diagnoses of OCD was originally floated for Otter, but on Xray we found this not to be the case.
A diagnoses of OCD was originally floated for Otter, but on Xray we found this not to be the case.
- Location
- Sydney, Australia
- Location
- East Sussex
Fingers crossed for you that it's something that will resolve itself. x
- Location
- The Hague, The Netherlands
With the others on weight control and totally agree with @Natalie's post.
@Jacqui-S also talking about weight loss before surgery is also important. Something else to take into account... Do you have carpets or wooden floors? Our house is now full of runners so Hunter has good grip and cannot slip.
Having a young dog with joint issues, I would have the x-ray. At least you would have an indication if there is a problem or not. Then you know the direction of your plan.
So sorry about Kipper. I know what an awful worry it is. Hopefully it turns out to be nothing. I just wish they could talk.
X
@Jacqui-S also talking about weight loss before surgery is also important. Something else to take into account... Do you have carpets or wooden floors? Our house is now full of runners so Hunter has good grip and cannot slip.
Having a young dog with joint issues, I would have the x-ray. At least you would have an indication if there is a problem or not. Then you know the direction of your plan.
So sorry about Kipper. I know what an awful worry it is. Hopefully it turns out to be nothing. I just wish they could talk.
X
Ah yes @Loraseal is spot on about the floors, I'd definitely recommend doing this if you've got tiles, wood or stone anywhere, especially at points where they have to turn through 90 or 180° degrees moving into different rooms. We have a mismatch of runners and mats right through the house which annoy me immensely and are a right pain when vacuuming and mopping, but they definitely help to prevent slipping.
Also just remembered that I asked about counter surfing and any damage it could do. The specialist said it was pretty unlikely this had caused damage.
Also just remembered that I asked about counter surfing and any damage it could do. The specialist said it was pretty unlikely this had caused damage.
Candy
Biscuit Tin Guardian
- Location
- West Yorkshire, UK
Sorry to hear about your continued problems with poor Kipper. I do hope it turns out to be something that's not serious and is easily treatable. Love to you both from GGJ and me.
- Location
- Canberra, Australia
Agree with suggestions to go to specialist now and also go for the scan that will give you the most info.
It’s easy to spend a long time meandering down a path of gradually escalating investigations and interventions. But if you can manage it logistically, financially etc I’d just go for the gold standard right at the start. Then you’ll know if a surgical intervention is needed (eg you’ll see if he’s got flaps of cartilage or whatever) or whether he needs rest to allow something more minor to heal. A proper diagnosis will mean you’ll be able to make better decisions about his management.
It sucks that he’s sore and I hope he can get to a much better point. I’m sure he will.
It’s easy to spend a long time meandering down a path of gradually escalating investigations and interventions. But if you can manage it logistically, financially etc I’d just go for the gold standard right at the start. Then you’ll know if a surgical intervention is needed (eg you’ll see if he’s got flaps of cartilage or whatever) or whether he needs rest to allow something more minor to heal. A proper diagnosis will mean you’ll be able to make better decisions about his management.
It sucks that he’s sore and I hope he can get to a much better point. I’m sure he will.
So our gentle walk this evening was cut short due to Kipper limping again. We’re going to ask for a specialist referral tomorrow and get CT scans done, with potential for surgery if it’s clear cut. I feel so bad he’s in pain, hopefully this will be the quickest and most decisive route to improvement. Thanks for all your comments and support, it helps a great deal with decision making!
- Location
- Herefordshire, UK
Atemas
UK Tour Guide
- Location
- North Cambridgeshire
So sorry poor Kipper is limping again. Yes time for some action 
Hope you can get him seen quickly 
- Location
- Cornwall , UK
Poor lad , fingers crossed an appointment is not too far ahead , big hugs xx
Jacqui-S
Moderator
- Location
- Fife, Scotland
Not great, but at least you will get to the bottom of it now, I'm sure.
Fingers crossed xx
Fingers crossed xx
Candy
Biscuit Tin Guardian
- Location
- West Yorkshire, UK
Poor Kipper! Hope you find the cause soon and get the dear boy back on track!